University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) is preparing to launch an ambitious robotic surgery project. Together, this initiative has ambitious and exciting goals to change the landscape of surgical care in the region. The collaborative initiative will transform Royal Stoke, one of UHNM’s hospitals, into a national centre of excellence for robotic procedures. This expansion is projected to be a cost saver of 3,000 bed days annually. We hope and believe that number might climb to at least 5,000 bed days per year!
To create a positive, impactful experience for patients and health care providers alike. Today, UHNM aids nearly 70,000 life-saving operative procedures on robotic guide annually. By 2035, the trust hopes to deepen its impact even further. They are working to enable up to 500,000 more procedures each year in England using robotic technology. Over 1,000 patients are predicted to receive the advanced surgical techniques that will be brought to the table as a result of this project.
Royal Stoke has gone beyond the initial successes of robotic surgery. It was the first acute teaching hospital in England to implement the revolutionary “Magic Leap” surgical system. This breakthrough technology allows surgeons to see 3D images of a patient’s spine in real time during surgery via virtual reality goggles. This innovative technology saves lives by improving precision and has the potential to improve patient outcomes.
The surgery initiative will pay for a wide range of complicated operations, from emergency to cardiothoracic surgeries. UHNM hopes to provide 90% of all major keyhole surgeries with robotic assistance over the next ten years. The trust will be using new technology that gives surgeons the ability to sense tissue resistance as they’re operating in real-time. This breakthrough will dramatically increase the precision of surgery.
Philip Varghese, a consultant colorectal surgeon at UHNM, supported the project and added his excitement about the planning.
“This expansion significantly strengthens our ability to deliver robotic surgery across a wider range of complex procedures.” – Philip Varghese, University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM).
The total increase in robotic surgery capabilities isn’t just about increasing the count. It is doing all of this with a goal of increasing the quality of care that patients receive. This dovetails perfectly with UHNM’s passion for enhancing surgical services. In turn, that means more patients benefit from world-class surgical care delivered in their own communities.
Coates, a director at the foundation that is funding this connected corridor initiative, focused on the local community benefits of the project.
“Supporting projects that make a lasting difference to local communities remains a core focus of the foundation.” – Coates.
Furthermore, Coates emphasized the importance of investment in healthcare infrastructure.
“This investment will allow more patients across the region to benefit from world-leading surgical care closer to home.” – Coates.